Substitute Girlfriend

Hug-giving coat invented as “substitute girlfriend” for lonely boys.

From Japan Daily Press.

Scientific studies have shown that hugs really have the power to make humans feel better.

At one point in your life, you probably wanted one but then there was no one around to give it to you. Some students at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new machine that can give you hugs whenever you want one.

Called the Raiju Coat (Fulfillment Coat), the machine simulates the feeling when a girl hugs a guy around the waist from behind. Well, at least that’s what these students were trying to achieve with just two robotic pincers and a pre-recorded voice to complete the hugging experience.

The jacket has motors attached to its back to operate the “arms,” which are controlled through a computer using a USB connection.

The wearer of the jacket has to put on headphones to hear the recorded sound of footsteps running from behind, and a voice then says these pre-recorded sentences: “I’m sorry, were you waiting?”; “Watch your back!” (in a cute way); “Guess who?”; and “Blind side!” – then followed by the robotic hug.[cherry_banner image=”5543″ title=”Adbusters #108″ url=”http://subscribe.adbusters.org/collections/back-issues/products/ab108″ template=”issue.tmpl”]Summer[/cherry_banner]